How to Replace Belts on a Snapper Lawn Mower

In the 2013 "Best Lawnmower of the Year" comparison test, "Popular Mechanics" gave the Snapper SPVH21675 21-inch variable-speed rear-discharge walk-behind mower a four-star rating. This self-propelled mower is equipped with a variable-speed drive control, with the control lever mounted on the handle. The mower drive belt is designed to last for several mowing seasons under normal conditions; however, periodic belt-wear checks are recommended when using the mower on sandy soil with sparsely covered grass. When it becomes necessary, replacing the engine drive belt is a fairly straightforward procedure.

1

Remove the rubber boot connecting the spark plug wire to the spark plug, and secure it away from the plug. Follow the instructions that came with the fuel siphon kit and drain the fuel tank.

2

Remove the three screws securing the rear apron to the machine, using a 5/16-inch nut driver. Slide the apron down and out to remove it.

3

Tilt the mower all the way back onto its rear wheels and secure it by placing a suitable weight, such as a sandbag, on the handle. Do not tilt the mower on its side with the carburetor or spark plug facing downward; doing so will foul the plug and saturate the air filter with oil, which prevents the mower from starting.

4

Don heavy work gloves and safety glasses. Undo the central bolt securing the mower blade to the drive shaft with a box wrench, and remove the blade.

5

Remove the "U"-shaped belt guard beneath the deck by undoing the two bolts securing it to the transmission assembly. Place the belt guard on one side.

6

Make a note of the drive belt configuration. Apply upward force to the belt leading to the left of the blade pulley, rotate the pulley counterclockwise, and remove the worn belt from both the engine pulley and the blade pulley.

7

Loop the replacement drive belt over the engine pulley. Guide the right side of the belt into the blade pulley groove, and rotate the pulley clockwise to seat the belt. Reattach the belt guard and tighten it securely with the box wrench.

8

Replace the mower blade, making sure the blade hub is seated properly between the flanges. Snug the central bolt down and tighten it to 40 foot-pounds with a torque wrench and socket. Rotate the blade clockwise to ensure the belt is tracking properly.

9

Lower the mower onto its wheels. Replace the rear apron by reversing the procedure carried out in Step 3. Reconnect the spark-plug boot and refuel the mower. Start the engine and squeeze the speed-drive control lever on the mower handle to propel the mower forward and to ensure the drive mechanism is working properly.

About the Author

After graduating from the University of the Witwatersrand and qualifying as an aircraft engineer, Ian Kelly joined a Kitchen remodeling company and qualified as a Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD). Kelly then established an organization specializing in home improvement, including repair and maintenance of household appliances, garden equipment and lawn mowers.